Abstract:
This guide describes how local governments and communities can achieve energy, environmental,
health, and economic benefits by using landfill gas (LFG) recovered from municipal solid waste landfills
as a source of renewable energy. As solid waste decomposes in landfills, a gas is emitted that is approximately 50 percent methane (CH4) and 50 percent carbon dioxide (CO2), both of which are GHGs (U.S. EPA,
2011a). LFG energy technologies capture CH4 to prevent it from being emitted to the atmosphere, and can reduce landfill CH4 emissions by between 60 and 90 percent (depending on project design and effectiveness). This guide describes technologies and strategies for recovering and using LFG as an energy resource. It is designed to be used by local governments, regulatory and planning agencies, developers, contractors, project partners, energy service companies, and end users, including business and industrial customers who work with project owners.
Readers of the guide should come away with an
understanding of options to recover and use LFG from
landfills, a clear idea of the steps and considerations
involved in developing and implementing LFG energy
projects, and an awareness of expected costs and
financing opportunities.